An in-depth look at the Clinton LumberKings from radio broadcaster Dave Lezotte. The LumberKings are the class A Midwest League Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Magic Number: One

Could the Kings finally clinch at Community Field in Burlington today?

Last night’s 6-1 loss in Burlington was short on highlights and silver linings, yet the LumberKings still were not burned after playing with fire. The Kings are still in a 1.50-game driver’s seat in their playoff quest as Beloit also lost 5-4 to Cedar Rapids.

Clinton’s magic number entering today’s game is down to one. One win or a Beloit loss and the LumberKings are guaranteed a playoff spot. They still have a shot, be it slim, at overtaking Kane County for the top playoff spot in the West, but to do that, they’d need to win the final two games here in Burlington and hope for back-to-back Wisconsin wins at Elfstrom Stadium.

Point is, we need to win. Take care of the game on the field and the rest takes care of itself. We’ll see how today develops with the Midwest League’s top right-handed starter, Erasmo Ramirez (10-4, 2.86) on the hill for the Kings. He’ll go up against Burlington right-hander Keaton Hayenga (3-12, 6.14) beginning at 2:00 PM. Don’t be fooled by Hayenga’s record…he’s coming off back-to-back wins against Wisconsin and Beloit, yielding just three earned runs in 13.0 innings in those two efforts.

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